Prevalence and predictive factors of undernutrition and low bone mineral density in children with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition and bone disease are common in adults with chronic pancreatitis (CP). We studied the nutritional status and bone mineral density (BMD) of children with CP and the factors predicting them.

METHODS

CP children were prospectively evaluated with a detailed questionnaire, anthropometry, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, fecal elastase and BMD [total body less head (TBLH), spine and hip] by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body mass index (BMI) Z score of -1 to -1.9, -2 to -2.9 and <-3 was taken as mild, moderate and severe malnutrition respectively. Low BMD and osteoporosis were defined as per International Society for Clinical Densitometry.

RESULTS

83 children (46 boys, 14[4.3-21]years) with CP were enrolled. Majority had Cambridge IV (51,62.2%) or III (15,18.3%) changes. 34(41%) had undernutrition (mild-37.3%, moderate-2.4%, severe-1.2%). Overweight and obesity were present in 3.6% and 1.2% cases. BMI had a significant correlation with haemoglobin, serum albumin, percentage body fat and BMD. A majority had low fecal elastase (69 [84.1%], <100 μg/g) and vitamin D deficiency (70[84.3%],<20 ng/ml). 9 cases had a history of fractures. 14/75(18.6%) cases had low TBLH-BMD and this group had a lower BMI (-1.3[-1.9 to 0.34] vs 0.8 [-2.1 to 5.50; p = 0.03) than patients with normal BMD. There was no difference in age, disease duration, vitamin D, fecal elastase and Cambridge grade between normal and low BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

41% CP children have undernutrition with a majority having mild undernutrition. Nearly 20% have low BMD, with osteoporosis in none. Subjects with low BMI have lower BMD and percentage body fat.

Guidelines on Diagnosis and Management of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

JUSTIFICATION

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is increasingly being diagnosed in the West, while there is scant data on the subject from India. There is low awareness among pediatricians about its diagnosis and management; leading to improper diagnosis.

PROCESS

A group of experts from the pediatric gastroenterology sub-specialty chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (Indian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) met at Mumbai on 26 October, 2018 and discussed various issues relating to the subject. A broad consensus was reached and a writing committee was formed. They met again on 11 August, 2019 at Chennai for a detailed discussion. The statement was sent to the entire group by e-mail and their approval obtained.

OBJECTIVE

To formulate a consensus statement enable proper diagnosis and management of Cow's milk protein allergy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Cow's milk protein allergy is most common in the first year of life. Gastrointestinal manifestations are usually non-IgE mediated and therefore skin prick test and specific IgE levels are not useful in diagnosis. Clinical response to elimination diet followed by a positive oral food challenge is diagnostic. In patients with only gastrointestinal manifestations, sigmoidoscopy and rectal biopsy may be considered as an alternative. Management involves strict avoidance of all forms of bovine milk protein. For infants who are artificially fed, an extensively hydrolyzed formula is the first choice. Soy formula is an alternative in those above six months of age. Since most infants outgrow the allergy, elimination diet is only for a limited period and re-evaluation should be done periodically.

Relationship of Severity of Hepatitis A with Polymorphisms in Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1 (HAVCR1) Gene

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

HAVCR1 protein is the cellular receptor for hepatitis A virus (HAV). Genetic polymorphism in this gene may alter the outcome of HAV infection. In a previous study, a 6-amino acid insertion (157insMTTTVP) in HAVCR1 gene was associated with more severe disease. We decided to investigate this association further.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We sequenced exon 4 of the HAVCR1 gene in patients with clinical hepatitis A attending our institution, and a group of healthy controls in a disease-endemic setting in India. Frequencies of different haplotypes of a genomic region with two overlapping insertion-deletion polymorphisms (indels; rs141023871 and rs139041445) were compared between patients and controls, as well as between patients with and without a severe form of disease (liver failure).

RESULTS

The gene had three haplotypes in the region of interest - a short form, an intermediate-form with a 5-amino acid 157insMTTVP insertion and a long-form with a 6-amino acid 157insMTTTVP insertion. The allele frequency (29/150 [19%] vs. 43/146 [29%]; p = ns) and haplotype frequency (29/75 [39%] vs. 39/73 [53%]; p = ns) of the 157insMTTTVP variant were similar in hepatitis A patients and healthy controls (30%). Further, the allele frequency (12/58 [21%] vs. 17/92 [18%]; p = ns) and haplotype frequency (12/29 [41%] vs.17/46 [37%]; p = ns) of the longest variant were also similar in patients with severe and mild disease.

DISCUSSION

In the study population, the 157insMTTTVP variant of HAVCR1 gene was not associated with more severe outcome of HAV infection. Further studies in other populations around the world are needed to assess the relation of this genetic variation with disease outcome.

Cure for immune-tolerant hepatitis B in children: is it an achievable target with sequential combo therapy with lamivudine and interferon?

We prospectively studied the HBsAg seroconversion with sequential combination therapy of lamivudine (LAM) and interferon (IFN) in hitherto untreatable 'immune-tolerant' chronic hepatitis B in children. In this case-control study, 28 children with immune-tolerant hepatitis B [HBsAg positive for >6 months with near normal aminotransferase level, minimal/no inflammation in liver histology and high viral load (HBV DNA>10(7) copies/mL)] were treated with LAM alone at 3 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks followed by LAM plus IFN alpha (5 MU/m(2) three times a week) for another 44 weeks. They were compared with 34 untreated children. HBV markers (HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, quantitative HBV DNA) were carried out at baseline, at the end of therapy and 6 monthly thereafter. The mean age was 5.9 ± 3.2 years and 24 were boys. End therapy response: HBe seroconversion was achieved in 11, and of these, five had complete response (HBsAg clearance), 11 did not respond and six had virologic response (DNA undetectable but no HBe seroconversion). Six months after therapy, 10 of the 11 (91%) originally seroconverted children remained seroconverted while one seroreverted. Six of the 28 (21.4%) children lost HBsAg and they remained HBsAg negative and anti-HBs positive on follow-up. After a mean follow-up of 21.1 ± 11.9 months, the status remained same in the responders but one of the nonresponders HBe seroconverted (39.3%). There were no serious side effects of therapy. It is possible to achieve a cure in more than one-fifth of immune-tolerant children with hepatitis B with the sequential combination of LAM and IFN.

Predictors of outcome in children with acute viral hepatitis and coagulopathy

The presence of coagulopathy in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in children raises issues about prognosis and need for liver transplantation. We evaluated factors predicting outcome in such patients and determined the applicability of the paediatric acute liver failure study group (PALFSG) definition of acute liver failure (ALF) of coagulopathy alone in comparison with coagulopathy and encephalopathy. Children with AVH (clinical features, raised transaminases and positive viral serology) with uncorrectable coagulopathy [prothrombin time (PT) > 15 s] with or without hepatic encephalopathy (HE) were enrolled. Comparative analysis was based on (i) outcome: survivors/nonsurvivors and (ii) ALF criteria: group A coagulopathy (PT > 15 s) and encephalopathy and group B coagulopathy (PT > 20 s). We studied 130 children (86 boys, mean age 7.5 ± 4.5 years): 86 recovered and 44 died. Single virus infection was present in 96 (74%), hepatitis A being the commonest (n-69). On multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis, age <3.5 years, serum bilirubin ≥ 16.7 mg/dL, PT ≥ 40.5 s and clinical signs of cerebral oedema were independent predictors of mortality. Mortality increased from 0% with single to 100% with four risk factors. Ninety-seven cases met the PALFSG criteria: group A-79 and group B-18. Group A subjects had higher mortality (55.6%vs 0%) and poorer liver functions (bilirubin 18.1 ± 8.9 vs 13.8 ± 6.9 mg/dL, PT 63.9 ± 35.1 vs 27.2 ± 5.2 s) than group B. PT deteriorated significantly with the appearance and progression of HE. One-third of children with AVH with coagulopathy die without transplantation. Age <3.5 years, bilirubin ≥ 16.7 mg/dL, PT ≥ 40.5 s and signs of cerebral oedema are predictors of poor outcome. Children with encephalopathy and coagulopathy have a poorer outcome than those with coagulopathy alone.

1H NMR spectroscopic study of blood serum for the assessment of liver function in liver transplant patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Plausible reasons for the failure of liver graft in liver transplantation are explored. 1H-NMR spectroscopy of serum is employed for assessment of liver graft function. Differences in concentrations of specific metabolites between patients with successful and unsuccessful liver grafts following transplantation were used as possible markers to assess the graft quality.

METHODS

Blood samples from the patients undergoing liver transplantation were obtained preoperatively, immediately after transplant followed by every 24 hrs of post-transplantation until patients were discharged or expired. 1H-NMR spectroscopic studies of serum were performed at each time point and concentrations of various metabolites measured. Conventional biological tests were also performed at each time point.

RESULTS

Elevation of concentrations of the nine metabolites (lactate, alanine, lysine, glutamine, methionine, asparagine, tyrosine, histidine and phenylalanine) in non-survivors using NMR was attributed to the graft dysfunction. The information on the graft dysfunction using conventional biological tests was obtained much later. However, elevation in aminotransferases and bilirubin levels was indicated after about one week and 3 days respectively in non-survivors. Hepatic failure causes alteration in the concentrations of amino acids due to impairment of amino acid metabolism and urea cycle. 1H-NMR spectroscopy provides the information of all the metabolites in a single step without involving any chemical pretreatment implying better accuracy since each step involved can introduce its own experimental error.

CONCLUSION

Distinct metabolic profile in non-survivors compared to survivors following transplantation promises potential of 1H-NMR studies in the assessment of liver graft function.

Unusual causes of extrahepatic biliary obstruction in children: a case series with review of literature

This paper highlights the etiology, diagnosis, management and outcome in nine unusual cases of extrahepatic biliary obstruction in children. Extrahepatic biliary atresia and choledochal cyst constituted 127 out of 136 (93%) cases of all pediatric surgical biliary disorders managed between March 2000 and February 2007 at the reporting centre. However, nine children (aged 1.5-15 years) presented with uncommon causes like (1) idiopathic benign non-traumatic inflammatory stricture (n = 3), (2) idiopathic fibrosing chronic pancreatitis (n = 2), (3) post-cholecystectomy type 4 benign biliary stricture (n = 1), (4) post-acute pancreatitis pseudo-cyst of pancreas (n = 1), (5) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with extramural common bile duct compression and gall bladder perforation (n = 1), and (6) Langerhan cell histiocytosis (LCH, n = 1). The clinical features and the diagnostic work up of each group are discussed. A preoperative endoscopic/percutaneous biliary drainage was required in four children because of cholangitis at presentation. A biliary-enteric anastomosis was performed for all seven children in groups (1)-(4). The patients with NHL and LCH were referred for chemotherapy after establishing tissue diagnosis at laparotomy. With a follow-up period of 3 months to 7 years, seven children (with the exception of patients with NHL and LCH) are currently anicteric. This paper draws attention to some infrequently discussed causes of extrahepatic biliary obstruction in children. The management entails a carefully planned combination of endoscopic interventions, interventional radiology and surgery. The outcome in benign cases is usually satisfactory.

Biliary atresia with a "cyst at porta": management and outcome as per the cholangiographic anatomy

The purpose of this study is to classify biliary atresia (BA) with a "cyst at porta" according to the cholangiographic anatomy and to define management strategy and outcome in each group. A cyst at porta was identified in 13 of 58 babies (22.4%) with BA at first presentation. The cholangiographic anatomy was classified as; Group A (n = 7), type III BA with extrahepatic cyst; Group B (n = 2), type I or II BA with extrahepatic biliary cyst; and Group C (n = 4), type I or II BA with both extrahepatic and intrahepatic biliary cysts. The remaining 45 patients were comprised of type III BA without a cyst. A Kasai's portoenterostomy (PE) was performed for all Group A patients. Groups B and C were treated by hepaticojejunostomy (n = 5) or portoenterostomy (n = 1). All 45 patients with type III BA without a cyst were treated by a Kasai's PE. The median age at surgery was 92 days (ranges 28-342 days). There were three early post-operative deaths, all in patients with type III BA without cyst. Overall 18/55 (32.7%) patients achieved a jaundice free state. In Group A, 5/7 (71.4%) patients had bile flow, 2/7 (28.6%) are anicteric and 2/7(28.6%) had 1-2 episodes of post-operative cholangitis. In Group B, both patients are anicteric and none had post-operative cholangitis. In Group C, all four babies had bile flow but, significant morbidity because of recurrent severe cholangitis. Only one patient reached a jaundice free state. Of the remaining 42 patients with type III BA without a cyst, 27 (64.3%) had bile flow, 13 (31%) became jaundice free and 14 (33.3%) have had 1-2 episodes of post-operative cholangitis. In conclusion, thirteen of 58 (22.4%) babies with BA had a "cyst at porta" at first presentation in this series. The outcome was most satisfactory in type I BA without intrahepatic cystic dilatation (Group B) in terms of achieving a jaundice free state and freedom from recurrent cholangitis. However, intrahepatic biliary cysts (Group C) were associated with recurrent severe cholangitis and a poor eventual outcome despite a good initial bile flow. The outcome in type III BA with extrahepatic cyst was comparable to type III BA without cyst.

Factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene G20210A mutations are uncommon in portal vein thrombosis in India

BACKGROUND

Extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction due to portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an important cause of portal hypertension in several regions including India. The cause of thrombosis in these patients remains unclear. We studied the frequency of mutations in genes for coagulation factors V and II (prothrombin) in 61 Indian patients with PVT and 49 healthy control subjects.

METHODS

The presence of factor V Leiden mutation and of G20210A prothrombin gene mutation was determined using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Chi-squared test was used to compare patients and controls.

RESULTS

Of the 61 patients (median age 11 years; 47 male) studied, 49 were children. One of 61 (1.6%) patients with PVT was heterozygous for factor V Leiden mutation and none had the G20210 prothrombin gene mutation. The frequencies of these mutations were not different from those in control subjects (2/49 and 0/46, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Factor V Leiden and G20210 prothrombin gene mutations are infrequent in Indian patients with PVT. Thus, these mutations are unlikely to be responsible for PVT in the Indian population.

1H NMR spectroscopy for the prediction of therapeutic outcome in patients with fulminant hepatic failure

A high-resolution (1)H NMR study of serum and urine of fulminant hepatic failure patients (n = 22) [surviving (n = 12) and non-surviving (n = 10)] is reported. Glutamine in serum and urine glutamine:creatinine ratio were higher in non-surviving patients compared with surviving patients [serum glutamine, 3.08 (1.68-7.11) vs 0.56 (0.34-0.99) mM, median and range; p = 0.0001 and urine glutamine:creatinine ratio, 1.72 (0.24-7.76) vs 0.39 (0.1-0.84), p = 0.1], and urine urea:creatinine ratio was higher in surviving patients compared with non-surviving patients [10.83 (0.2-22.6) vs 2.09 (0.96-4.0), p = 0.002]. On the other hand, no significant differences were found in the conventionally employed clinical parameters such as serum alanylaminotransferase, aspartylaminotransferase and bilirubin except prothrombin time (p = 0.02). The difference in serum glutamine and urine urea was significant in the two categories of patients and distinctly different values of serum glutamine for both the categories of patients correctly predicted the outcome. These results promise immense potential for NMR spectroscopy in rapidly deciding on the need for advanced therapeutic intervention such as artificial liver support or emergency liver transplantation in FHF.

A new dimension of 1H-NMR spectroscopy in assessment of liver graft dysfunction

High-resolution 1H-NMR spectroscopy of serum and urine samples of an 11-year-old male living related orthotopic liver transplant recipient is reported. Serum glutamine increased to abnormal levels along with simultaneous abnormal excretion of urinary glutamine post-transplantation. High levels of glutamine in both blood and urine and concomitant reduced urea levels in urine were found to be evidence of impairment in urea cycle and compatible with persistently abnormal graft function. Thus glutamine levels in serum and urine, and urea in the urine as observed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy highlight their important roles in monitoring liver graft function; increased glutamine levels lead to brain damage, if untreated.

Management of portal hypertension

Portal hypertension (PHT) is common in children and a majority of cases in India are constituted by extrahepatic portal venous obstruction or cirrhosis of liver. Morbidity and mortality in this condition is related to variceal bleeding, most commonly from esophageal varices. Acute variceal bleeding is best controlled by endoscopic therapy. Somatostatin and octreotide are useful in acute variceal bleeding as a supplementary therapy. Acute variceal bleeding uncontrolled by medical therapy merits preferably a shunt surgery or devascularization depending upon etiology of PHT and expertise of the surgeon. Acute variceal bleeding originating from gastric varices can be effectively controlled by endoscopic injection of tissue adhesive agent (n-butyl 2 cyanoacrylate). Eradication of esophageal varices by endoscopic measures (sclerotherapy or band ligation) is successful in prevention of recurrence of bleeding. Surgical portosystemic shunts especially in non-cirrhotic PHT are successful in achieving portal decompression and significant reduction in recurrence of variceal bleeding. Role of beta-blockers in primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in children still remains to be substantiated.

Coeliac disease in Indian children: assessment of clinical, nutritional and pathologic characteristics

Coeliac disease is an important cause of chronic diarrhoea, failure to thrive, and anaemia in children. Little information on the disease is available in India. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, clinical, anthropometric and histological profiles of coeliac disease in patients attending a tertiary referral centre in India. Coeliac disease was diagnosed in 42 (16.6%) of 246 children with chronic diarrhoea, failure to thrive, and anaemia. The mean ages at onset of symptoms and at diagnosis were 2.4 (range 0.5-10) years and 8.3 (range 3-14) years respectively, and a mean period of delay in diagnosis was 5.9 (range 1-13.5) years. Of the 42 cases, history of failure to thrive was observed in 38 (90%), chronic diarrhoea in 37 (88%), and anaemia in 6 cases. Short stature, under-nutrition, anaemia, oedema of feet, rickets, clubbing of fingers, features of vitamin A deficiency, and B-vitamin deficiency were found in 42, 26, 38, 9, 8, 6, 3, and 2 cases respectively. Onset of symptoms, such as, chronic diarrhoea and failure to thrive, was earlier in children with subtotal villous atrophy than in those with partial villous atrophy (mean +/- SD; 2.00 +/- 1.46 years vs 3.30 +/- 2.72 years; p < 0.05). Results of the study suggest that coeliac disease is not uncommon in Indian children. Coeliac disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in children without any symptoms of diarrhoea.

Autoimmune liver disease in children

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Autoimmune liver disease (AILD) in children progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure if not diagnosed and managed in time. We prospectively analyzed our patients with liver disease for autoimmune etiology and their outcome with treatment.

METHODS

All patients with liver disease were evaluated with liver function tests, abdominal ultrasonography, endoscopy, liver biopsy, viral markers and investigations for Wilson's disease. Immunoglobin (Ig)M hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus (HEV) and IgM hepatitis B core antibody were tested if acute viral hepatitis was suspected. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), antismooth muscle antibody (SMA), and liver kidney microsomal antibody (anti-LKM-1) were done in all cases. Autoimmune liver disease was diagnosed when one or more autoantibodies tested positive (> 1:40), and no other etiology of liver disease was identified. We also applied criteria proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. Cases diagnosed to have AILD were treated with immunosuppressive drugs.

RESULTS

Autoimmune liver disease constituted 3.9% (6/153; median age and duration of illness 8.5 years and 3 months, respectively) of chronic liver disease cases. Four patients had acute hepatitis-like presentation. Of the six cases, two each were ANA and SMA +; one was anti-LKM-1 +, and the other was positive for both SMA and anti-LKM-1. Three of the patients achieved remission with combination therapy of oral prednisolone (OP) and azathioprine (AZT), and one with only OP. The other two patients were not treated. Two of the patients in remission have been weaned off from immunosuppressive therapy, and one is in a withdrawal phase. Another patient, while in biochemical remission developed superimposed anicteric acute HEV infection.

CONCLUSION

Although AILD is uncommon in children, its search is rewarding, as remission is achieved with immunosuppressive therapy. Superimposed acute viral hepatitis can occur in endemic areas.

Functional protein C and anti-cardiolipin antibody in children with portal vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common cause of portal hypertension in children from developing countries. Deficiencies of proteins C and S and elevated anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) levels have been shown to predispose to venous thrombosis. We studied these factors in children with idiopathic PVT.

METHODS

19 children with PVT (mean [SD] age 5.7 [2.1] y; 15 boys) were studied; all had had variceal bleeding, and had PVT on ultrasonography. Functional protein C activity was measured using a clotting assay; if it was normal, a clotting assay for functional protein S activity was performed. IgG aCL levels were measured in all sera using an in-house standardized solid-phase ELISA.

RESULTS

Protein C functional activity ranged from 4% to 109%. Eight children had activity below 70%, the lower cut-off of the normal range. Protein S assay, done in 10 of the 11 children with normal protein C activity levels, was normal (above the cut-off level of 65% of the normal range). IgG aCL levels were abnormally elevated (>mean + 2SD of 16 healthy control children) in nine children; of these, three had associated protein C deficiency. Thus, of the 19 children with idiopathic PVT, 14 had abnormality in one or more tests.

CONCLUSION

A majority of children with PVT of unknown etiology have functional protein C deficiency or abnormally elevated levels of aCL antibodies.

Association of human leucocyte-DR and DQ antigens in coeliac disease: a family study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

No family studies regarding the association of coeliac disease with the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ locus are available. Moreover, no HLA studies have been carried out in coeliac disease patients from India. The aim of this study was to study the HLA class II (DR and DQ) antigens in children with coeliac disease and in their first-degree relatives.

METHODS

Fifteen children with coeliac disease and their first-degree relatives (birth parents of all the coeliac disease patients and fifteen siblings) were studied. A group of 123 healthy unrelated and ethnically matched subjects were used as controls. The HLA-DR and -DQ typing was carried out by a complement-dependent microlymphocytotoxicity assay. The transmission disequilibrium test was used for analysis of results.

RESULTS

There was no association of coeliac disease with DR phenotypes. Ninety-three per cent of patients (14/15) carried the DQ2 allele. DQ2 was transmitted in 15 of 19 informative cases (transmission probability of 79%, chi2 6.368 with 1 df, nominal P=0.012 and P value corrected for multiple test=0.035). The haplotype relative risk associated with DQ2 was 5.71 (95% confidence interval 1.71-16.28).

CONCLUSION

Coeliac disease in Indian children is predominantly associated with HLA-DQ2.

Need for liver transplantation in Indian children

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is the most successful and accepted mode of therapy for failing liver in children. Pediatric LT has neither been widely attempted nor its need objectively assessed in our country.

OBJECTIVE

To assess requirement of LT in children at a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

Data of children admitted to pediatric GE services (January 1992 to June 1997) were retrospectively analyzed. Subgroups of children with acute liver disease (ALD), chronic liver disease (CLD), neonatal cholestasis syndrome (NCS) and other etiology were evaluated for need for LT according to established criteria.

RESULTS

Of the total 301 inpatients with liver diseases assessed at our center, ALD constituted 26% (n=79), CLD 35% (n=106), NCS 27% (n=82) and miscellaneous 11% (n=34). Among ALD, 19% (n=15) had FHF and 67% (n=10) qualified for LT (INR>4.0). Of CLD, LT was warranted in 13% (2/15) cases of Wilson's disease (Wilson's score > 6) and 60% of cirrhotics (n=40/66) with decompensation. NCS comprised extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) in 43, choledochal cyst in 2, paucity of intralobular bile duct (PILBD) in 2, neonatal hepatitis in 23, and was of indeterminate etiology in 12 cases. Of NCS groups, LT was the only therapeutic option in 45% (n=36) of cases (EHBA 34, choledochal cyst 2). Of 34 cases of EHBA requiring LT, 32 presented after 4 months of age and other 2 children had decompensation before four months of age. Both children with choledochal cysts had decompensated liver disease. One patient of Crigler Najjar syndrome type I had kernicterus and qualified for LT.

CONCLUSION

Our data shows need for LT in 30% of children with liver diseases constituted by cirrhosis (45%), biliary atresia (38%) and FHF (11%).

Neonatal cholestasis syndrome: Indian scene

Neonatal cholestasis syndrome (NCS) in India has largely remained ignored. Three questions need to be addressed: (a) What is known about NCS in India (b) Where do we stand and (c) What needs to be done? Current data on etiology of NCS indicates that biliary atresia contributes to about 40% of all NCS cases. There is considerable delay in the referral of patients to appropriate centres for management. A delay of 120.8 +/- 60.5 days in biliary atresia and 65.9 +/- 39.2 days in neonatal hepatitis were documented. Biliary atresia cases need to be diagnosed and operated by eight weeks of age so as to have the best results. Delayed referral after 3 months of age, not only bring down the success rate considerably but also adversely affect the management with regard to surgical procedures, nutritional support, control of ascites and finally the cost. Cirrhosis rapidly develops in children with biliary atresia. At this stage the only option left is liver transplantation. An important obstacle in the care of infants with NCS is the misconception of jaundice in newborns. This needs to be handled at a professional level in the training of undergraduates and postgraduates and the lay public. Public awareness campaigns like "Yellow Alert" may be useful in this direction.

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children: anthropometry, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I

BACKGROUND

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction has been shown to cause growth retardation in children, though literature is scant. No information is available regarding the cause of growth retardation in these patients.

METHODS

To document the presence of growth retardation in this disease, we studied growth and nutrition in 33 consecutive prepubertal patients. Anthropometry, fasting growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I levels were compared in 22 well-nourished patients from this group with 35 age-matched well-nourished controls.

RESULTS

Mean +/- SD height standard deviation score of well-nourished patients (-1.88 +/- 1.33) was significantly below that of the controls (-1.06 +/- 0.64, p < 0.01). Patients also had significantly lower midarm muscle circumference z scores (-2.65 +/- 1.09) than controls (-1.17 +/- 1.09, p < 0.0001), though triceps skinfold thickness z scores were comparable in the two groups (-1.06 +/- 0.68 vs -1.24 +/- 0.79, p = NS). Insulin-like growth factor I z scores were significantly lower in patients (-1.48 +/- 0.88) than in controls (-0.49 +/- 1.09, p < 0.001), whereas basal growth hormone was significantly higher in patients (4.60 +/- 3.70 mIU/L) compared with controls (2.66 +/- 0.82, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children leads to growth retardation. Anthropometric and preliminary hormonal evaluation suggest resistance to the action of growth hormone as a possible mechanism.

Current spectrum of hepatobiliary disorders in northern India

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the current spectrum of hepatobiliary disorders in children in Northern India.

SETTING

Tertiary level referral hospital.

METHODS

All children with hepatobiliary disorders presenting between January 1992 through July 1995 were evaluated by clinical assessment, liver function tests, viral and autoimmune markers, liver biopsy, copper studies and other relevant investigations.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty five children with hepatobiliary disorders were seen over three and a half years period (67 cases per year). Acute hepatitis (28%), chronic liver disease (36%) and neonatal cholestasis syndrome (NCS) (26%) were the most common patterns of liver diseases. Chronic liver diseases were constituted by ICC (2%), post-hepatitic etiology (13%), Wilson's disease (21%), autoimmune (4%), non-Wilsonian metabolic diseases (16%), hepatic venous outflow obstruction (2%) and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (1%). Cirrhosis was documented in 71% and chronic hepatitis in 12% of cases with chronic liver disease. Fulminant hepatic failure was the presentation in 4% of children with liver diseases.

CONCLUSION

Chronic liver diseases in Northern India are mainly constituted by post hepatitic, metabolic and cryptogenic etiology and ICC is rarely encountered. NCS is also one of the major subgroups of liver diseases in children.

Endoscopic sclerotherapy for esophageal varices in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction: a follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Results of treatment with endoscopic sclerotherapy for esophageal varices in children extrahepatic portal venous obstruction are limited.

METHODS

A prospective study was undertaken of fifty children (mean age, 7.4 +/- 3.8 years; range, 4 months to 14 years) with esophageal variceal bleeding caused by extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) treated by repeated intravariceal endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) at intervals of 2-3 weeks until eradication (no varices on endoscopy).

RESULTS

Eradication of varices was achieved in 44 children (88%) with a mean of eight sessions per child. In six other cases, variceal grade decreased by 50% from the initial grades. Bleeding episodes at presentation were controlled in all of the children with first ET >. Over a mean follow-up period of 19 months (range, 12-36 months), a total of 15 episodes of rebleeding occurred in 13 children (26%) before the third session of EST and all were controlled with EST. Risk of rebleeding in children with eradicated varices (n = 44) significantly decreased from 0.2 episodes per month to nil after eradication. None of the children without eradicated varices had rebleeding. Thus, EST was successful in controlling rebleeding in all of the cases. Recurrence of varices was observed in five children (10%). None of our children either required surgery for EST failure or died.

CONCLUSIONS

EST is a safe and effective nonsurgical mode of therapy in controlling esophageal variceal bleeding in children with EHPVO. Significant variceal bleeding did not occur during the relatively short follow-up in this series.

Endoscopic, histologic and microbiologic evaluation of upper abdominal pain with special reference to Helicobacter pylori infection

OBJECTIVE

To study children with significant upper abdominal pain of unidentifiable etiology and evaluate: (a) the relationship of pain to inflammatory esophago-gastro-duodenal lesions and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, and (b) the response to specific therapy.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Pediatric section of a tertiary referral gastroenterology center.

SUBJECTS

Thirty three consecutive children with significant upper abdominal pain [mean age 9.9 +/- 2.7, range 4-15 years; 20 males] were subjected to upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and antral mucosal biopsies obtained for rapid urease test (RUT), Gram's staining of impression/crush smears and culture for HP and histologic examination. Patients with HP gastritis were treated with triple therapy, colloidal bismuth subcitrate, amoxycillin and metronidazole, for two weeks. At 8 weeks from the initiation of therapy, patients were re-evaluated for symptoms and HP eradication by repeat endoscopy and antral biopsies. Patients with esophagitis, gastritis and duodenitis without HP infection were treated with ranitidine for 6 weeks. All the patients were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS

Histology revealed antral gastritis in 28/33 (85%) patients. HP infection was present in 12/28 (43%) patients with antral gastritis. Symptomatic improvement with triple therapy was observed in 10/12 (83%) patients with HP gastritis and eradication of HP in 5/7. Improvement on ranitidine therapy was observed in 12/16 (75%) patients with HP negative gastritis. On follow-up, no patient with initial improvement with therapy had relapse of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic children with HP related gastritis should be treated with triple therapy and HP negative gastritis with H2-receptor antagonist.

Endosonographic evaluation of the rectum in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction

Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography (REUS) was performed using an Olympus EU-M3 ultrasound fiberscope in 25 children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (median age of 8, range 3-16 years) and in eight control subjects (median age of 8, range 6-13). Rectal varices (tortuous or nodular distended veins seen beneath the mucosa) and portal hypertensive rectopathy were diagnosed endoscopically. At rectal endosonography, rectal varices were seen as rounded, oval, or longitudinal echo-free structures in the submucosa. Perirectal veins outside the rectal wall were also seen in REUS. Portal hypertensive rectopathy was endoscopically observed in nine (36%) patients. Rectal varices were detected by endoscopy in nine (36%) and by endosonographic examination in 19 (76%) patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. The number (2, range 0-10) and size (3, range 0-4.5 mm) of submucosal veins seen on endosonography in patients were greater than in controls (0, range 0-1, and 0, range 0-2 mm; p < 0.001 for both). The size of perirectal veins was greater in patients than in controls (3.5, range 3-5 mm versus 2.5, range 2-3 mm; p < 0.001). Communicating veins between the submucosal and perirectal veins were seen in nine (36%) patients. Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography was superior to endoscopy in detecting the presence of rectal varices (76% versus 35%, p < 0.005). Our study suggests that endosonography is useful in detecting changes in the rectal and perirectal vasculature in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in children

We prospectively evaluated 139 consecutive children presenting to the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (Lucknow, India) with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from January 1991 to November 1994. Our aims were to find out whether the causes of GI bleeding in a developing country differed from developed countries and how the application of newer diagnostic techniques would help in the diagnosis of GI bleeding. Barium studies, endoscopy, technetium-99m-labelled (erythrocytes and pertechnetate) scans, selective abdominal angiography using a digital subtraction technique and rectal endoscopic ultrasonography were performed. Upper GI bleeding (n = 75) was variceal in 71 (95%) children (extrahepatic portal venous obstruction in 65, cirrhosis in six) and non-variceal in four (5%) cases (Henoch-Schonlein purpura, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, drug-induced gastric erosions and pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery due to idiopathic chronic calcific pancreatitis). Causes of lower GI bleeding (n = 64) were colitis (27 cases; 42%), colorectal polyps (26 cases; 41%), enteric fever (n = 3), solitary rectal ulcer (n = 3), portal hypertensive colopathy (n = 2), colonic arteriovenous malformation (n = 1) and internal haemorrhoids (n = 1). One patient remained undiagnosed. Angiography performed in four children was diagnostic in two. In one child with massive lower GI bleeding from portal colopathy, the bleeding site (caecum) was localized by intra-operative colonoscopy, while in the other child with portal colopathy, rectal endoscopic ultrasonography was performed to substantiate the diagnosis. We conclude that the causes of upper GI bleeding in children in developing countries are different from those in developed countries (variceal bleeding due to extrahepatic portal venous obstruction is the most common cause, while peptic ulcer is rare). However, the spectrum of lower GI bleeding is similar to that of developed countries. Application of newer diagnostic techniques is helpful and safe in the identification of the cause of GI bleeding in children.

Retained esophageal foreign bodies in children

Foreign-body (FB) ingestion is common in children. Retained FBs in the esophagus can produce serious complications. We report five children with retained esophageal FBs: one presented with massive hematemesis due to an esophago-carotid fistula and the others had FB impaction above esophageal strictures. The hazards of impaction of small FBs above the strictures and delayed referral are highlighted.

Therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy

The safety, efficacy and utility of various therapeutic gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures performed on children (January 1992 to July 1995) at a tertiary referral centre in India were studied. A total of 1,030 sessions (upper GI 972 and lower GI 58) of therapeutic GI endoscopy were performed in 162 children (mean age 7.4 +/- 4 years; upper GI 115, lower GI 47). Various upper GI endoscopic procedures done were injection sclerotherapy (EIS), endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL), bougie dilatation of oesophageal strictures, balloon dilatations of oesophageal stricture/pyloric obstruction and retrieval of foreign bodies in 75%, 6%, 9%, 4% and 12% of children respectively. Therapy for bleeding from oesophageal varices constituted the major group (75%). Repeated EIS (sessions total--876, mean 8, range 5-15) performed on 86 children resulted in control of bleeding in all and eradication of oesophageal varices in 85% of cases. Minor complications (oesophageal ulcers and oesophageal strictures) due to EIS were observed in 9% of children. EVL (10 sessions in 7 children) was effective in controlling bleeding and substantial decrease of varices in all without any complication. Oesophageal dilation either by bougie (61 sessions in 10 children) or balloon (6 sessions in 3 children) were performed for benign strictures. Balloon dilatation of pyloric obstruction was successfully done in 2 children. Foreign bodies (retained or sharp) were retrieved from upper GI tract in 14 children. No complications were observed with stricture dilatation/foreign body retrieval. Therapeutic lower GI endoscopies were performed in 47 children (colonoscopic polypectomy in 92%, anal dilatation and piles banding in 4% each). One child with juvenile polyposis coli developed sigmoid colon performation following colonoscopic polypectomy which required surgical correction. We conclude that upper and lower GI endoscopic therapeutic procedures in children are highly effective and safe. The risk of major complication is very small in experienced hands and occasional minor complications, can be managed conservatively.

Neonatal cholestasis syndrome: an appraisal at a tertiary center

OBJECTIVE

To know the magnitude, etiology and clinical profile, the efficacy of various investigations and the outcome in patients with neonatal cholestasis syndrome (NCS).

DESIGN

Prospective evaluation of 60 consecutive infants with NCS (mean age 3.9 +/- 1.9 months; 49 males) over a period of 3.5 years.

SETTING

Tertiary level referral gastroenterology center in North India.

METHODS

Liver function tests, urine examination, serum antibodies against Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Rubella and Toxoplasma; abdominal ultrasonography, hepatobiliary scintigraphy and liver biopsy were done. In appropriate setting, laparotomy and surgical corrections were done for biliary tract disorders.

RESULTS

NCS constituted 19% of pediatric liver diseases. Considerable delay in presentation was observed [mean delay, extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) = 4 +/- 2.0 months, neonatal hepatitis (NH) = 2.2 +/- 1.3 months]. Thirty three (55%) infants had EHBA, 14 (23%) NH (4 CMV, 2 galactosemia, 1 urinary tract infection and 7 idiopathic), 2 (3%) paucity of intralobular bile ducts and 11 (18%) were of indeterminate etiology. Liver biopsy was the most accurate (96.4%) investigation in discriminating between EHBA and NH. Of the 18 operated infants with EHBA (portoenterostomy-15 and hepatico-jejunostomy-3), 10 were alive (mean follow up = 22.8 +/- 8.6 months) of which 4 were completely asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

(i) NCS is an important cause of liver disease in Indian children. (ii) It requires prompt referral, quick investigative approach and targeted management. (iii) Liver biopsy is highly accurate in differentiating EHBA and NH. (iv) infants with EHBA and compensated status of liver should undergo corrective surgery irrespective of age at presentation.

Portal hypertensive gastropathy in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction: role of variceal obliteration by endoscopic sclerotherapy and Helicobacter pylori infection

We aimed to determine the frequency of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) and to find out the role of esophageal variceal obliteration by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the pathogenesis of PHG. Twenty consecutive children were studied before EIS and 20 after esophageal varices obliteration. Diagnosis of PHG was established by endoscopic assessment. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by rapid urease test, H. pylori culture, smear, and histopathologic examination of antral biopsy specimens. Portal hypertensive gastropathy was characterized and graded by endoscopy according to previously established criteria. In the pre-EIS group, eight (40%) had PHG (mild in all) compared with 16 (80%; mild in eight, severe in eight) in the post-EIS group (p < 0.05). Portal hypertensive gastropathy was more extensive in the post-EIS group. There was no significant difference between frequency of gastric varices and H. pylori infection in the pre-EIS and post-EIS groups. We conclude that PHG is common in children with EHPVO; its frequency, extent, and severity increase after esophageal variceal obliteration by EIS, and H. pylori infection does not play any role in its development.

Healing of chronic antral gastritis: effect of sucralfate and colloidal bismuth subcitrate

BACKGROUND

Colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) causes endoscopic and histological improvement in gastritis and eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD). The effect of sucralfate, a cytoprotective drug, on endoscopic and histologic gastritis and H pylori clearance is not clear. We studied the effect of CBS and sucralfate on these features in patients with NUD.

METHODS

Sixty three patients with NUD and H pylori infection were randomized to receive one of the following for four weeks: (i) CBS (240 mg twice daily) (Group 1); (ii) placebo I, similar in size, color and shape to CBS (Group 2); (iii) sucralfate (2.0 g twice daily) (Group 3) and (iv) placebo II, similar to sucralfate (Group 4). Symptoms, endoscopic and histological findings and H pylori status were assessed before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Similar symptomatic improvement was observed with each treatment, indicating a placebo effect. Significant endoscopic and histological improvement was observed with CBS only. CBS was better than sucralfate in inducing endoscopic and histological improvement. Clearance rate of H pylori was 46.6% with CBS, 16.6% with its placebo, 33.3% with sucralfate and 13.3% with its placebo.

CONCLUSION

CBS is more effective than sucralfate in inducing endoscopic and histologic healing of H pylori-related gastritis among NUD patients.

Neonatal cholestasis syndrome due to galactosemia

We report here a patient with neonatal cholestasis syndrome due to galactosemia, a rare entity. The child died of Escherichia coli septicemia.

Hepatic involvement culminating in cirrhosis in a child with disseminated cryptococcosis

A 7-year-old child had unusual manifestation of cryptococcosis; liver and lymph node involvement predominated. There was evidence of cryptococcal hepatitis, extrahepatic biliary obstruction, and subsequent cirrhosis of the liver. Despite widespread dissemination, underlying immune disturbance was not evident. The patient was treated with two courses of amphotericin and 5-flucytosine.

Calcific pancreatitis-induced gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm: non-surgical management

Hemorrhage associated with pancreatitis has a high morbidity and mortality in the early phase of the illness. In a small number of patients, bleeding is from major pancreatic or peripancreatic vessels which necessitates emergency intervention. However, most such reports are confined to adults. We report a 6-year-old girl with chronic calcific pancreatitis who presented with hematemesis and melena without any acute exacerbation of her underlying illness. Pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery was detected by angiography which was then effectively treated at the same time by embolization with gel foam and a steel coil, thus obviating the need for surgical intervention.

Epidemiology, subgroups and serotypes of rotavirus diarrhea in north Indian communities

To know prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea subgroups and serotypes, a prospective study was conducted in rural, periurban and urban communities at Chandigarh. Weekly surveillance for diarrheal episodes was carried out in 110 families each from rural, periurban and urban localities constituting 584 children < 5 years of age from October, 1988 to February, 1991. Stool samples of 218 diarrheal episodes occurring in 115 children were subjected to rotavirus detection by ELISA. Rotavirus positive samples were further analyzed for subgroups and serotypes using specific monoclonal antibodies. Overall prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea was 4.3% (25/584). Rotavirus constituted 11.5% (25/218) of total diarrheal episodes and 22% (25/115) among the children affected with acute diarrhea. Among rural, periurban and urban communities, the overall prevalences of rotavirus diarrhea were 7.3%, 3.2% and 2.3% and episode related prevalences of 31.8%, 7.4% and 5%, respectively (chi 2 test for trend was highly significant from rural to periurban to urban localities). Forty per cent (10/25 of rotavirus positive samples were subgroup I and 60% (15/25) sub-group II. Of the 25 rotavirus strains, 40% (10) were serotype 2, 24% (n = 6) serotype 3 and 36% (n = 9) serotype 4. No definite temporal or seasonal pattern of rotavirus was observed; however, more of rotavirus diarrheal episodes (16%) occurred during winter season. Subgroups and serotypes were observed to cocirculate during the rotavirus episodes. Demonstration of serotypes in our field study imply that the vaccine to be used in our country must be cross protective to have an effective impact on rotavirus infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Spectrum of malabsorption syndrome in north Indian children

AIMS

To know the spectrum of malabsorption syndrome (MAS) in infants and children and highlight agewise differences in etiology in different age groups.

METHODS

137 children presenting with diarrhea of more than 3 weeks' duration and/or growth failure and abnormality of one of more tests of malabsorption were studied. Etiology of MAS was determined using investigations specific for each of the causes.

RESULTS

Sixty two (45%) children were below 2 years of age and 75 (55%) above. Common causes of MAS were: protracted diarrhea 45 (33%), celiac disease 35 (26%), parasitic infestations 13 (9%), milk protein intolerance 8 (6%), intestinal tuberculosis 7 (5%). In 18 (13%) patients, cause of MAS could not be determined. Protracted diarrhea (73%) and milk protein intolerance (13%) constituted the major etiology of MAS in children below 2 years of age, whereas celiac disease (43%), parasitic infestations (15%) and intestinal tuberculosis (9%) were the common causes in children above 2 years of age.

CONCLUSION

The spectrum of MAS in Indian children in different age groups is distinctly different from that seen in developed countries.